Related Experiment Videos
Human eosinophilic enteritis caused by dog hookworm Ancylostoma caninum
1Department of Parasitology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
Lancet (London, England)
|June 2, 1990
Summary
An outbreak of eosinophilic enteritis in Australia was linked to the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum. Patient behaviors suggest exposure to infective larvae of this common dog parasite.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- An epidemic of eosinophilic enteritis affecting 93 individuals was reported in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
- Eosinophilic enteritis is an inflammatory condition of the small intestine characterized by eosinophil infiltration.
Observation:
- A hookworm was identified in a resected ileal segment from one patient during the outbreak.
- An adult hookworm, later identified as Ancylostoma caninum, was recovered from the terminal ileum of another patient via colonoscopy.
Findings:
- Epidemiological survey of 38 patients revealed behaviors potentially leading to exposure to infective hookworm larvae.
- Ancylostoma caninum, a common canine parasite, is implicated as the causative agent in this eosinophilic enteritis outbreak.
Implications:
- This study highlights the potential for zoonotic transmission of Ancylostoma caninum to cause human enteritis.
- Public health awareness regarding parasite exposure, particularly from domestic animals, is crucial in affected regions.
- Further research into Ancylostoma caninum infection in humans and preventative measures is warranted.